Data Sources and Collection Methods 1
Sources of data
Directly from individuals
identified as sources of
information
Compiled by an independent
observer
Compiled by use of
mechanical or electronic
devices
Through unobtrusive
techniques
Existing records
1 rd
Adapted from: Owen, J 2006, Program Evaluation Forms and Approaches. 3 edn, Allen and Unwin,
Singapore, p.100-101.
Data collection method
Self-reports
• Diaries or anecdotal records.
• Checklists or inventories.
• Rating scales and semantic differentials.
• Written responses (survey).
Personal products
• Tests.
• Samples of work.
• Interviews.
• Written accounts.
• Observation forms such as observation schedules,
rating scales, checklists and inventories.
• Oral responses either singularly or by a group (focus
group).
• Audiotape.
• Videotape.
• Time lapse and still photography.
• Internet responses.
• Role playing (‘testing’).
These include published or unpublished documents.
• Productivity Commission’s Report on Government
Services, Agency annual reports.
• Australian Bureau of Statistics.
• Australian Institute for Health and Welfare.
• Australian Social Science Data Archive which houses
statistics from the Australian Bureau of Statistics as
well as data sets from public sector agencies,
university based researchers and the private sector.
• World Development Indicators which contain statistical
data from the World Bank for over 331 development
indicators and time series data from 1960-2008 for
over 209 countries and country groups. Data includes
social, economic, financial, natural resources and
environmental indicators.
Page | 1
• The Developmental Pathways Project for Telethon
Institute for Child Health Research has data over many
years which may be accessed on a needs basis with
permission. For more information contact: Dr Rebecca
Glauert, email: rglauert@ichr.uwa.edu.au
Ph: 9489 7754.

Page | 2